London's First Indian Restaurant

[@markbarker6739]

Queen victoria was the first royal to put curry on the menu at Windsor and Buckingham palace she was shown how to cook it by her Indian munchi Abdul Karim in the late 1880s till her death in 1901

[@masudtv]

"munshi"

[@markbarker6739]

@@masudtv sorry I spelt it wrong

[@masudtv]

@@markbarker6739 no prob "munchi" seems kind of appropriate!

[@markbarker6739]

@@masudtv lol

[@tomcarl8021]

Im a New Yorker, and there's a neighborhood famous for it's many Irish immigrants called Woodside, Queens. When the bars close, Indian foodtrucks are waiting on the streets for Irish people wanting a late-night Indian meal. So, even though Ireland doesn't have the Indian population Britain has, they clearly adopted the same love of Indian food as the British. Now, how anyone can eat Indian food after a night of beer drinking is another story.....

[@Robslondon]

Good comment Tom, thanks- I was in New York last month, great city 😉

[@stevebradley704]

London and curry. Two of the greatest things in the cosmos. Thanks Rob. Always informative and entertaining. Love your stuff.

[@Robslondon]

:-D Great comment, Steve- thank you, and much agreed!

[@thetragicyouth]

Every time you publish a new video, I feel like a guest in that old TV advert when the Ferrero Rochers are brought out - "Ambassador, you are spoiling us!" Speaking of sweet things, Rob, have you ever considered making a video about the history of Maison Bertaux on Greek Street? It's a place I spent many happy hours in my younger days and often overheard Michelle, the Saturday girl who later bought the establishment, recounting marvellous tales of its history. I read recently that she was planning to wind down her involvement in the day-to-day running of Maison Bertaux and I thought someone ought to capture the oral history of this legendary Soho patisserie before it's lost forever. Maybe you are that person?

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks so much, what a lovely comment :-) That is a very good idea for a video, I'll look into it and see what research is available. Thanks and stay well :-)

[@thetragicyouth]

@@Robslondon There are a few press interviews Michelle has given over the years which are available online, but I'm sure she and her sister/business partner Tanya have a huge personal archive and would jump at the opportunity to memorialise MB in one of your videos. Apparently the original ovens still exist in the basement (no longer used). It's such a legendary place that has fought off the developers who have sought to gentrify Soho over the years, and, as I'm sure you know, has always been a great favourite of actors, comedians and film directors.

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

I don't know of the establishment you refer to but the number of such little gems remaining seems to diminish annually. I used to go for several years around 2000 to a Polish restaurant on the Clapham High Street called Cafe Wanda. It was always on a Sunday and my friends and I would inevitably be feeling rather blurry from the previous night. Wanda was the big and ever present personality behind it, swishing around in lacy shawls, a million bangles jangling, calling everyone "daaaahhhhrrling" and serving us hand poured cocktails after which we would feel so much better. It didn't hurt that they were also the days you could light up and anyway, even if they weren't, she turned a blind eye! Steaming plates of bigos and pierogi would appear although I usually had something much more akin to a Wiener schnitzel - I used to love that it came with a whole anchovy and I'm pretty sure some capers, plus fried potatoes too. Then one week, she just wasn't there - I think I recall mention of some nasty illness but that was that. Never saw her again and a year or so later the premises was something completely different... it's not so much about food, it's about moments in time and I think Rob has a lot of scope to use his obvious talents here to document some of these places which may not be "fancy" but which had a lot if love around them - something which is more difficult to envisage in a Pizza Express or Nandos......

[@vickywitton1008]

I think that too!

[@micburns]

What a trade we gave India cricket (seeking the positive) they gave us Curry. I am grateful for Indian food and culture. We are blessed to have embraced this as a British tradition.

[@Robslondon]

Nice comment ;-)

[@cooper7031]

Well presented

[@Robslondon]

Thanks

[@aaarrrggghhhh]

Great video Rob, as usual and yes it made me feel hungry. Many years ago I used to work with youth offenders and escorted them to places to do reparations, or what is more commonly known as community service. I made a connection with the Hare Krishna temple, in Watford, where they have the big country house which was donated to them by George Harrison (Beatles fame), a farm where they only use oxen to plough the fields and lots of farm land where they grow vegetables, as they are vegetarian. We used to go to a part of the farm far away across the fields where nobody goes and we painted walls, cleared barns, dug up tree roots etc. Anyway, part of their religion is that they feed all visitors. Every week after finishing our work we would see 3 or 4 people come across the fields with big metal buckets full of curry, breads, rice, freshly made fruit drinks and desserts. We all sat together and ate the most amazing Indian food I have ever had. I later discovered that you can just turn up at the main temple and they will feed you. They also have a festival every summer with food. People usually bring vegetables as donations, which they in turn cook and give to visitors. I highly recommend going there if you are nearby.

[@Robslondon]

Enjoyed reading that, thanks so much! And a great tip 😉 Hope you’re keeping well.

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

how interestin Thank you You learn somuh off these apps dont you

[@desibaap7731]

Great video, loved learning the history of the curry in England. The hot garbage they serve at most Indian restaurants here in the states would be banned in most countries!

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha, thanks Desi! Yes, we're spoilt here in the UK ;-)

[@rambler241]

Your best video to date, in my opinion. Informative, entertaining, and a great incentive to explore in London. I had no idea Brick Lane was such a hotspot for curry cuisine!

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me rambler, thanks so much. Yes, Brick Lane is full of curry houses! It's developed over the past 40 years or so. Stay well :-)

[@alex-E7WHU]

Brick lane Sunday morning food market is one of my favourite thing for when I visit London, and a swift half in the mitre inn, Ely place.👍

[@peckige]

Your research is exemplary! I'd love to see a video about your favourite historical sources etc.

[@Robslondon]

That's so kind of you to say, thank you! My favourite and most useful resource is the British Newspaper Archive; it's a treasure trove. Old map sites- such as the David Rumsey collection- are invaluable too. I've got a small library of London history books, but for ones I don't have the Internet Archive is also very useful. Thanks again and stay well :-)

[@daiyan7973]

Perfect thing to watch before my shift as a waiter at a indian haha

[@Robslondon]

😂

[@patricksullivan2261]

Now this is the sort of well researched and presented video I am thrilled to watch. Well done! I had no idea curry was introduced to London at that date.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much for your kind words Patrick, much appreciated 😊

[@vickypedias]

Just within the last 2 weeks I took the Life in the UK test and one of the questions was - Who opened the first indian restaurant in the UK, and the correct answer was of course Sake Dean Mahomet!! I had never heard of him and only found out about him as I was preparing for the test, and then read his Wikipedia, which was fascinating. Thanks for such a great video!!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Viktoria, lovely comment! I didn’t realise he was on the test! Hope it went well for you 😊

[@vickypedias]

@@Robslondon I passed!!

[@Robslondon]

@@vickypedias Congratulations! 😊

[@DaimlerSleeveValve]

Didn't know the full story of curry houses in London. DID know that curry was very popular in the Victorian period, Eliza Acton and Mrs. Beeton published recipes, and Queen Victoria had her own Indian chef and ate curry more than once a week.

[@Robslondon]

Indeed, Victoria was a huge fan!

[@darriendastar3941]

That was completely and utterly fasinating.Thank you so much.

[@Robslondon]

That means a lot to me. Thank you.

[@domramsey]

Your videos are always the highlight of my day. So well researched, structured and easy to watch. I always learn so much!

[@Robslondon]

Your comment made my day Dom 😊 Much appreciated; thank you so much. Stay well sir.

[@Helalbhai]

Bangladeshis put "Indian" food on the map 🇧🇩🇧🇩🇧🇩

[@Robslondon]

This is very true.

[@dresdenkiller]

No that’s not true. Because the people you call Bangladeshis were Indians back then.

[@CashelOConnolly]

@@dresdenkilleryou’re wrong! Although Bangladesh wasn’t recognised until 1971 The history of Bangladesh as a civilized nation goes back for more than four millennia to the Chalcolithic. The country's early recorded history is characterized by a succession of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms and empires that fought for control of the Bengal region. So do your homework,reading is a good place to start 🤣✌🏻

[@naturemeditation3751]

@@CashelOConnollybollocks 😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@jellooowith3os]

Can't beat a good Ruby. Thanks mate

[@Robslondon]

Cheers 😉

[@jimmymorgan3324]

AND. STILL LIKE Them the next Day. Cold

[@davidfarrell3539]

Thank you Rob for another top video! I love how you find these fascinating subjects that few people making videos about London ever dream of. By odd coincidence, I cooked a (reasonably edible) prawn curry this evening and noticed you had posted this latest Robslondon masterpiece: The perfect accompaniment!

[@Robslondon]

Such a wonderful comment, thanks David 😊 Glad the prawn curry was ok! You didn’t fancy lobster curry though?! 😉

[@davidfarrell3539]

@@Robslondon Ha ha! Crayfish would be a delicacy in this part of Kilburn!

[@Robslondon]

@@davidfarrell3539 😀

[@robertphelps1574]

Just came across your channel and it’s absolutely brilliant I’m going to have a binge watching your videos tonight once I’ve had a curry

[@Robslondon]

Robert, your comment just made my evening! Thanks so much; it's great to have you here. Hope you enjoy my other videos- and your curry too of course ;-) Thanks again.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Fascinating, thank you for making these videos and enlightening us with such interesting snipits of history. 😊

[@Robslondon]

It's an absolute pleasure; thank you so much for watching :-)

[@johnclayden1670]

Great stuff again. I guess I am not alone in thinking Veraswarmy's - which I have visited several times over the decades - was the oldest. What a fascinating fellow Mohamet was.

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks, John. Yes; you were indeed right sir! Thanks again and stay well.

[@faithlesshound5621]

Fun fact: the restaurant was originally "Veerasawmy's," but the printer made a mistake on their menus and they were stuck with the change to "Veeraswamy." That's not the only time this has happened.

[@sharonleong7120]

Another great video as always. Loved it too. Thank you Robert.👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much as ever Sharon :-) Stay well.

[@johncochrane2707]

Another excellent video Rob. We Cochrane's go way back in India , as your video shows ;-) and I'd recommend the Tayyabs Punjabi restaurant in Fieldgate St, London E1. Great content on your channel as ever mate.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much John, lovely comment! And Tayyabs... yes, a fantastic choice- I nearly included it in this video! Their chops are to die for ;-) Cheers and stay well.

[@andyeveritt9003]

another excellent video Rob and yes it made me hungry cheers Rob and all the best

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Lucky it's nearly dinner time ;-) Thanks Andy, much appreciated.

[@dougknight1720]

Thanks again Rob. Who would have guessed Curries have been around in London for so long? Another amazingly detailed historical film. Great job. Well done mate

[@Robslondon]

Thank so much Doug, really appreciate your kind words as ever. Stay well ;-)

[@dougknight1720]

@@Robslondon You too mate…stay well yourself

[@clivefelgate9802]

Rob a great video as usual.. your research is phenomenal!! Keep safe. C.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Clive- same to you :-)

[@gopi0905]

Very informative and entertaining. Thank you for this video

[@Robslondon]

It’s a pleasure Gopi, thanks so much for watching 😊

[@SLane249]

Another informative video, thanks for the time you spend putting them together.

[@Robslondon]

A pleasure as always Stephen 😉 Thanks for watching.

[@nicholaswalker2494]

Hello Rob another great video and what a subject for a Friday night.Growing up in Bradford curry’s were a staple of good night out and one of my earliest memory of going to a restaurant with all the strange smells and aroma’s.Take care until next time 👍👍

[@Robslondon]

Lovely comment Nicholas, thank you 😊🥘

[@douglasthompson296]

hi Rob, catching up with this presentation @ 8:45 and now I really, really do fancy a curry even though curries don't like me!!!! anything stronger than tika masala has the sweat pouring out of me 🥵. As a teen growing up in a Yorkshire mill town with first generation Indian, Asian immigration a neighbour who had grown up in India (military in family) was in high demand for translation purposes. She was very appreciated by the non British community. A remarkable lady. At that time no exotic green grocers or halal butchers etc and folks had to improvise till Asian wholesaler started. This is only my personal thoughts and is a quick snapshot of early integration . Cheers DougT in Mancs

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Doug, enjoyed reading that 😉 Hope you’re keeping well

[@sandramalone9977]

Thanks

[@justintaisenchoy]

Fantastic documentary. So interesting. I love curry houses hummmmm 🍛😍🥘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Robslondon]

With you there Justin! Thanks for the kind words 😉

[@peteracton6360]

A wonderful and detailed video, excellent, clearly so much work has gone into this, I work with a well known Indian restaurant and we will share this excellent video.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for the kind words, Peter. And if you share it with the restaurant you mention I would consider that a great honour. Thanks again; much appreciated. Stay well.

[@1minigrem]

Again, lots of info I had no idea about. I don’t hesitate to recommend your channel to anyone interested, I look forward to the next podcast.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Kerry; really appreciate your kind words and support. Stay well.

[@baitrunner1000]

Fantastic presentation and very informative.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much :-)

[@nigelcowie6883]

I discovered your channel recently, and am enjoying this one - really enjoyable and interesting, thanks for posting.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Nigel; it's a pleasure. Good to have you here 🙂Stay well and thanks again.

[@asheland_numismatics]

Another great video! 🤗

[@Robslondon]

Thank you :-)

[@asheland_numismatics]

@@Robslondon you’re welcome! ☺️

[@mgg5358]

Great video Rob, superbly researched and well presented. Veeraswamy's of course you have mentioned is pretty much at the top of my list. The Bombay Brasserie run by the Taj Group is particularyly good. The Sikh Gurdwara in Southall provides free mid-day vegetarian meals (langar). Donations are optional.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much MG G, and thanks for mentioning the Gurdwara; a truly worthy cause. Stay well my friend.

[@RemnantCult]

It makes me happy to see the embrace of Indian influence in British cuisine. It gives a colorful spiciness to it, adding something new between its comfort and savoriness.

[@Robslondon]

😊

[@MuppetZonk73]

Thanks a lot for this interesting and appetite inducing video! I had no idea that Indian take-out goes back almost 250 years. Sadly, I cannot make any recommendations on Indian food in London. But if you‘re craving some palak paneer in Seoul, I could point you to adjacent place. 😊

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much! And I may have to take you up on that; one of my ambitions is to visit Seoul one day!

[@andywright3581]

As always just excellent I so enjoy your work very informative and so interesting many thanks Andy

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated Andy, thank you. Stay well.

[@simonbarringer3415]

Alway look forwards to the next one 👍

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Simon :-) Stay well.

[@billygriffiths8282]

Brilliant video Rob

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Billy 😊

[@vickywitton1008]

Very interesting as usual, I am learning so much from this channel!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Vicky!

[@petermurrell3099]

Well researched and presented in an entertaining way, many thanks.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Peter. Stay well.

[@natmeyy7590]

Learnt something interesting today ,great video

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure Nat, many thanks for watching.

[@paulmerryman]

Another great video Rob. I'd walked down Brick Lane in the day a few times in March, but never went back to sample one in the evening.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Paul 😊

[@havingalook2]

Very very interesting. I enjoyed this. I have eaten at many of them. Many have come and gone too. Well done.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated, thank you 😊

[@Zen-bp9hf]

Wow that’s so interesting ….thank you for the history

[@Robslondon]

It's a pleasure, Zen- thanks for watching :-)

[@paulhoughton5266]

Loads of awesome information

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Paul 😉

[@nixer65]

Went there a couple of weeks ago (again). Lovely meal as always.

[@Robslondon]

It is good isn’t it 😉

[@itsjohndell]

Indopak has slowly been making inroads into American takeaway which has always been Chinese. Not yet ubiquitous outside of the cities but gaining ground. I'm blessed to live in a major college area and we have several great places, often at college student prices! Thanks for another great video, Rob!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much John :-) Interesting comment.

[@grayday5177]

Love these!!!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much :-)

[@arriesone1]

Wow Rob, I looked up Veraswamy’s prices….think I’ll stick with my local Indian! (which is great). Fab video as always Rob.

[@Robslondon]

Yes, it’s only for special occasions 😉

[@JPB-1976]

Great work again mate. I’m really interested in the power the East India Company had back then. Have you seen the Taboo series with Tom Hardy?

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Jamie, and I have seen it yes- great series.

[@faithlesshound5621]

Given that a large part of the East India Company's revenue came from the opium trade (the majority came from taxation), I wonder what it was that the Nabobs were smoking in their Hookahs, especially those that were brought to their homes? That after-dinner option disappeared from the menu long ago, but has recently returned in the form of the Shisha Pipe.

[@matt23ization]

I never knew that before about shampoo and Dr Brighton. Nice one

[@Robslondon]

Glad to be of service 🙂

[@streetrambler134]

Great researched video Rob, a interesting idea for a history video and very different. Definity out of the box.

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated; thank you so much for the kind words. Stay well.

[@chrystalcook3239]

Thanks From Hastings NZ. I love your videos and I love curry 🍛 😍 what a bonus.

[@Robslondon]

What a lovely comment, thank you so much Chrystal 😊 Stay well

[@dereknewbury163]

Very interesting video. As you expected, now O am hungry!

[@Robslondon]

Ha ha! Thanks Derek :-)

[@MazSwanboroughSmith]

You’re right, I’m now hungry! I like chicken tikka biryani, aloo sag and an onion bhaji, mmm. Thanks for all this historical background on how curry came to the UK. I’m learning all the time from you 😊❤🇬🇧

[@Robslondon]

😄

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Went to veeraswamys in '70s...huge Indian guy with turban greeting diners..amazing experience

[@Robslondon]

It is a great place ;-)

[@barrywa39]

Absolutely awesome Rob. Another winning video. My favourite Indian restaurant in London has got to be The Light of India, on Gloucester Road, through the lights from the tube station, on the right hand side. The first time that I went there, we ordered the starters, a drink, the main course. Was devastated that they didn't do chapatis. Anyway, I ate as much as I could, but left some of my main course, because I was so full. One of the waiters came over, and looked very concerned. he asked if anything was wrong with the food. I told that the food was lovely, but I was full. He shook his head, grinned, and picked up my knife and fork, and started to feed me. I could hardly eat for laughing, and the other diners were all laughing. That was the first of a few visits there. Fantastic place. I remember my first visit to a curry house in Bradford, was a totally different experience. It was commonly known as the Kash, short for Kashmir. The only curry you could get was keema curry, basically minced lamb in a gravy, with chapatis. You sat at communal tables, and the staff brought you the food, along with a jug of water, and some of those Duralex school glasses. The curry was great, and the resident mice in the restaurants didn't even seem scared of humans. I saw one on my way out, scuttling along an exposed rafter in the ceiling. Those were the days.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Barry, great comment! Hope you're keeping well.

[@barrywa39]

@@Robslondon I'm doing good thanks Rob, just a bit warm. The hazards of living in a top floor flat, in a 3 story block, with a south facing bay window. Hope you're keeping well too. Glad you liked the comment. Despite the mice in the curry house in Bradford, the curry was awesome.

[@Robslondon]

@@barrywa39 Gosh, I bet the heat is brutal... stay well Barry

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Brilliant mate !

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Paul ;-)

[@christopherrichardwadedett4100]

AWESOME! THANKS!

[@christopherrichardwadedett4100]

Please do more stuff on BIRs in different British cities with interviews of owners and chefs, their histories and some recipes, with high quality close up shots of dishes and lots of kitchen views. Thanks!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Christopher ;-)

[@johnbacon1854]

Good Lord Rob......I am sitting here at 1am I can almost smell and taste a god curry now. The research on this one took it to another level Rob. Fantastic video..... you really do make these not just simply.. a video about.... but you do it in a really interesting and informative way. I really want to explore Brick Lane now as I didnt realise it was still so full of Indian eateries. Until next time stay safe and best wishes to you and family.

[@Robslondon]

Really appreciate that John, thanks so much for the kind words 😊 Hope you’re keeping well

[@omnamahshiva9323]

Thanks for sharing

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much for watching 😊

[@omnamahshiva9323]

It's my pleasure by profession I'm a india chef if need any other help will be happy to help u our good day

[@Robslondon]

@@omnamahshiva9323 In that case I am especially honoured that you watched my video, Om Namah Shiva. Many thanks again my friend, and stay well.

[@DaimlerSleeveValve]

One of my ancestors joined the army in 1850 and spent 1851-61 in India, then had 6 months in Canton. I often wonder whether he returned with a taste for spicy food.

[@Robslondon]

It wouldn’t surprise me! 😉

[@shahzadhabib6929]

Best video on Indian food history in UK

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Shahzad, that means a lot to me. Stay well my friend.

[@indrajitadvani3742]

Thank you. And Happy Indian Independence Day

[@Robslondon]

😊🇮🇳

[@Alan_Mac]

Well researched and nicely presented. Excellent Youtubing. BTW 'Cowper' is pronounced 'cooper'.

[@Robslondon]

Many thanks Alan... and why do they have to make words and pronunciations so complicated?!

[@Alan_Mac]

@@Robslondon It's a minefield, Rob. When my Swedish wife and I lived in Edinburgh for a few years she refused to pronounce Scottish places names she had read but not heard until she checked with me or google first! This was after she refused to believe that 'Culross' was pronounced 'Coo-rus'.

[@CorvoFG]

Amazing as usual, Rob. I always learn something from your videos. 👍

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Jason 😉

[@sharonhart3111]

Yes very interesting. I do love history, and this kind of local history is always very interesting. I recently read: The worst street in London' by Fiona Rule, and found it riveting. Her research was very good. Your videos are bit like that, but in more bite sized pieces. My late father had a business in Beak street London since the late 1960s-late1990s, Soho has completely changed now...I would love to know more about the old Jewish community that was in Soho London which was way before that, early 1900s? I dont know..

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Sharon, a wonderful comment 😊 I know that book but have not yet had a chance to read it; it’s on my to-do-list. Jewish London is fascinating- there’s a good book on it (called ‘Jewish London’) by a friend of mine; Rachel Kolsky in case you don’t know it 😊 Thanks again and stay well.

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Absolutely! There are SO many possible little "hidden gems" to be had...I used to lurk around Soho a lot and wasn't aware of the Jewish history of it.. When I first came to London in 1988, after a year living in a student residence next door to Lambeth Palace (I had a room on a corner so had two windows, one looking out over Lambeth Palace Park and the other one right into Robert Runcie's study! Not that spying on my VIP neighbour occupied much of my time but occasionally I would notice the flash of purple as he scooted across the room kicking up the skirts of his soutane!) After a year I moved to a new build off Greatorex Street and had a job in Fenchurch St which I got very easily and should have stuck at but hey ho...anyway the East End obviously had a big Jewish history although by then they had long gone to "sunnier climes" - like Golders Green! Although it was much more a South East Asian area by then, it was really much more varied than that. Despite the War, you didn't have to look too far to see plenty of surviving Victorian and even still quite a bit of Georgian London peeking through in some of those back streets from the time of the Hugenot silk weavers. Much later on, when I lived in Streatham, was in a terraced house on the opposite side of the High Street from the Common which I was told had been constructed in about 1900 "to house railway workers". Furthermore, it had allegedly been built with "a predicted life of 50 years" in mind, although was still in good shape when I left in 2016! So many good - and a few bad - memories and I'm sure Rob would be able to extract a great narrative from a particular house in an otherwise unextraordinary district like Streatham!

[@Robslondon]

@@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311 There are some interesting bits and bobs around Streatham ;-)

[@hs-pj8ho]

Great video nice to know the history of curry in the uk & surprised it started in 1747 & restaurant in 1810 🤗😊

[@Robslondon]

Thank you Harj 😊

[@Mistydazzle]

What an excellent topic! As always, so well researched & presented - thank you, Rob! By the way, I looked up Dean Mahomed’s writings & found an 1826, 2nd edition, Shampooing book online for a collector’s sum!

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much 😊 Did you buy it? 😉 A very nice collectors’ item to have!

[@Mistydazzle]

@@Robslondon No, it is very expensive. I will leave it for a true fan (who has deep pockets!) 😁

[@MrTonyHeath]

My first experience of an Indian Restaurant was The Shabash in Hampstead in 1957. I now live in france so have to cook my own. Very good (shabash) video thank you.

[@Robslondon]

Brilliant comment, Tony thank you. Do you remember what you have to eat at The Shabash by any chance? I love France and French cuisine, but yes... the Indian food they have is nothing like what we enjoy; we're spoilt! Thanks again and stay well.

[@section5760]

Do you know what shabash means ?

[@Robslondon]

@@section5760 I do; that means a lot to me, thank you so much 🙂Stay well.

[@TheUluxian]

I just love how you can take a subject that I have absolutely no interest in, and make it the most interesting thing ever.... Cheers, Rob! 126 days until I set foot on UK soil for the first time! w00t!

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much :-) And that time will pass quickly I'm sure! Stay well.

[@SlurpyDave254]

I remember walking past the queen's Hotel many years ago. Sometimes u wish you'd stopped and had a look. I must say it was pretty inspirational coming up with this subject. Very good Rob👍

[@Robslondon]

Cheers Dave, hope you’re keeping well mate 🍺

[@manojshukla7354]

very interesting thank you

[@Robslondon]

Much appreciated my friend, thank you.

[@bryan3550]

More top work, Rob! Thinking of takeaway food containers, tiffin tins from the Subcontinent must surely rate amongst the earliest: perhaps they too were imported to London...? 🙃

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Bryan- and that is a fantastic point! I believe the London ones were sent out in ceramic jars, but tiffin tins would do the job a lot better 😉

[@talkin-ape]

@@Robslondon I imagine it could be heated pot/jars, they can hold heat for quite a while.... Yet another need for a time machine, and a pocketful of era correct currency 😆

[@tonybennett7904]

Used to drive around london till1987 so know many. places and have forgot a lot ,haven't been back many a year probably never will now. Even those days it was changing. I like to remember it as the place I was born and grew up in .I still watch loads of KZbin London vlogs, especially military and history ones .

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Tony; stay well.

[@ThePeteBkk]

I remember dining at this place I believe is called “Khan's” a short walk from Bayswater station. I had an excellent lunch, accompanied by chilled white wine. I well because many years later when I returned and ordered wine, it was not possible. The waiter snarled back, “ Time changes, thing changes.” No alcoholic drink of any kind was available.

[@Robslondon]

What a shame, Pete!

[@paulohagan3309]

You should have snarled back, 'Customers change too' and walked out if he was really that rude?

[@faithlesshound5621]

Whether they serve alcohol or not depends on whether the local authority grants them a licence, which a new owner may not choose to seek, since most Indian restaurants are operated by Muslims. Given the frequency with which groups of drunk locals run off without paying for their meal, the owner may well feel it best NOT to encourage them by serving alcohol.

[@k9killer221]

Queen Victoria loved curries. She had an Indian chef.

[@Robslondon]

Correct 😉

[@dougknight1720]

Now you’ve done it. Fancy a Curry but I’m in Arkansas…😩😩😩

[@Robslondon]

Oh no! Sorry Doug!

[@brianparker663]

I've tried curries in America...! 😐 My deepest sympathies go with you. 😔

[@Robslondon]

@@brianparker663 From what I’ve experienced it’s the same in France too! I absolutely love France and French cuisine… but you can’t get a decent curry there!

[@dougknight1720]

@@brianparker663 There’s one Restaurant in Springfield that isn’t too bad. But the Tikka Masala over here is very Spicy. Not at all like it’s supposed to be sadly. And you don’t get Poppadoms…😩

[@brianparker663]

@@dougknight1720 Oh for a transporter device. I could get Scotty to beam one over for you. 😄 Have a great day.

[@saintz177]

Interesting thanks

[@Robslondon]

Thanks 😊

[@Britoverseas]

Another awesome video. The photo of the East India Company building reminded me if when I started working in the late 70's in the City. The building I worked in was next to the old Lloyd's building and was at the junction of Leadenhall and Lime Street. Do you know by any chance why it was called Lime Street? Have you thought about doing a series on the old markets like Leadenhall Market? They must have tales to tell. Thanks again for such great content Rob. Cheers . Lance

[@Robslondon]

Great comment Lance, enjoyed reading that thanks. Lime Street I’m not sure about, although have always wondered so will look into it! And yes, markers are an excellent use for a video, they’re on my radar 😉 Stay well

[@TheStobb50]

I grew up in the 60s in County Durham, Indian restaurants were very rare almost unheard-of in this region. Apart from my grandads kitchen he spent a long time in the 1920s India in the Army and absolutely loved Indian food quite funny now looking back because nobody quite understood what he saw in it

[@Robslondon]

Great comment David, thanks for sharing.

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Inspired by your well researched and charmingly narrated video - and humble acknowledgement of your subscribers towards the end - I have joined their ranks as well as clicked the Like button and written you a comment. I am absolutely brand new tonight to your channel and will perhaps just hold off with a few ideas I may have for you for future themes till I've caught up with some of the "back catalogue" which, without even looking, I am certain I will find! For now, not I'm sure you'll be in the least offended from my noting - and no offence is meant either - you're obviously a local and I do think that gives it an authenticity and sense of place - I'm quite sure any American viewers absolutely lap it up, and no offence to them either 🙂 Look forward to discovering some other little gems on here - the detail about a Danish prince drinking beer with curry was a gorgeous detail worthy of the V&A!

[@Robslondon]

Andrew, thank you so much for this comment- really enjoyed reading your words! And thank you too for your kind support; much appreciated- it's great to have you here! Stay well my friend and thanks again.

[@OhioticketswithRobert]

Very informative

[@Robslondon]

Thank you

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

Your videos coninue to speak to me. Thank you. As I've said ad nauseum, my mother was a housekeeper at a rooming house in Old Brompton Road, and I remember well (in the '50s) The Star of India restaurant just four doors away. Only in the last year or so has it closed down. Very sad. We also had a minimum of one Sri Lankan tenant at almost all times so the aromatic scent of curry was often in the air. In the '80s I worked in the west end and a friend and colleague was a Thai chap who made it hs mission to find the best eateries within the North Circular Road. We had many exotic Chinese meals in little cafés in Chinatown and he introduced me to what he considered the best Indian restaurant in London - Bilash in West Ealing. I now live in Northfields, near West Ealing in the Parliamentary consituency of Southall so am very well served for Indian, Bengali, Sri Lankan restaurants and all sorts of others so even though Bilash is also now closed, a good curry is never far away.

[@Robslondon]

Thank you so much Paul; a great comment as ever. I didn't know the Star of India had closed down, that's a real shame. Sri Lankan curries are great by the way ;-) Cheers and stay well my friend.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

​@@Robslondon Papaya in Northfields Ave is my nearest curry house and is Sri Lankan (and very good 🙂)

[@joanne26]

The algorithm has ‘found you’ I see you mention in your forward about the video and the Indian Restaurant The Veeraswamy OH MY A paternal 2nd cousin married in March 1963 in Birmingham They spent their honeymoon in London. Her husband was really into motorbikes and had Triumph Bonneville T100 and they travelled on the bike to London They had their FIRST Indian meal at the Veeraswamy My mother and father 🙏🙏🙏 married September 1963 They also spent their honeymoon in London They too went to the Veeraswamy for meal My mom was born the year 1926 - the year the restaurant was founded 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧❤️❤️❤️

[@Robslondon]

A wonderful comment! Thank you so much for sharing, I love it when viewers can directly connect with the history 😊

[@Corrus]

Rob, As predicted you have made me hungry! I would recommend the India Club on hte Strand to you, but I am sure as a man of London knowledge you have probably eaten there already. I was there just last week and had a lovely curry. It's not a flashy place but the food is great.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks Paul, yes I know the India Club; good choice😉

[@stephenhiggins7951]

Drummond St Indian vego restaurants, behind Euston Station, are an interesting and delicious old cluster.

[@Robslondon]

Yes! Very, very well said Stephen, there are some gems around there; excellent comment.

[@alrichmond4341]

So interesting. Never really clocked the connection between colonial India architecture and the old Wembley stadium (to mention a very trivial thing in your very very well researched piece). Pass the chutney. More !!!

[@Robslondon]

:-D Cheers Al!

[@johnstilljohn3181]

Thanks for putting this up - I'm proper Hank now, after that...

[@Robslondon]

😂 Cheers John

[@corrupt1238]

Thank you for the educational vid, always enjoy a curry

[@Robslondon]

Thanks 😊

[@thewalkingman777]

The best Indian restaurant I have been to is Taste of India in Manor Park, east London. As authentic as it comes.

[@Robslondon]

Thanks, will look it up

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

Queen Victoia [Empress of India ]]]and Albert loved Curry and had it often. There's even a recipe in Mrs Beetons CookBook

[@Robslondon]

Correct 😉

[@cocoaorange1]

You learn something new everyday.

[@Robslondon]

🙂

[@keithingram44]

Thanks rob brilliant as usual my partner has been to veraswameys and the Indian restaurant we recommend when we lived in London is ranis in central Finchley went there first in 1986 A solely vegetarian Indian restaurant

[@Robslondon]

Thanks so much Keith! I have heard of Ranis, but never been there... sounds good though, as Indian cuisine can work wonders with vegetarian dishes. Thanks again and stay well.